Articles Tagged As 40 Under 40
Reach Nontraditional Students
Through music technology, guitar and modern music theory courses, a Chicago music educator has bridged the gap to “the other 80%,” students who typically do not participate in traditional music programs.
A Band for the Community
Musicians of all ages from around the Lee County, Alabama, come together to perform together as the Smiths Station Community Band.
Proactively Address Teacher Shortage
You can influence and recruit your students to pursue a career in teaching music. Focus on these six key areas to foster student development in music education.
Starting a Middle School Indoor Drumline
A response to a lack of performance opportunities after the pandemic turned into an extraordinary way to help middle schoolers transition to high school band and provide leadership opportunities for high school students.
Support English Learners in Music Classrooms
Incorporate these strategies to support learning and participation by Spanish-speaking English language learners.
How to Recognize Good Teaching
Take preservice teachers on guided observations so they can see firsthand some key areas that make music educators successful.
Requisite Recommendations for First-Year Music Teachers
The 2025 “40 Under 40” educators offer essential tips for new music teachers to help them succeed and thrive.
Liam Keller
Back to 40 Under 40 Liam Keller Director of OrchestrasChatham High School, Lafayette Avenue SchoolChatham, New Jersey Liam Keller, Director of Orchestras at Chatham High School in New Jersey, credits his students’ “dedication, thirst for knowledge and constant chase of that next level of playing” as his driving forces. He’s always finding ways to challenge […]
Lilly Streich
Back to 40 Under 40 Lilly Streich 5-12 Vocal Music TeacherGalena Unit School DistrictGalena, Illinois Lilly Streich always knew she wanted to pursue music. She basically grew up in her father’s drum store, The Drum Pad, and remembers clinics at the store that featured some of the greatest drummers in the area. “I began taking […]
Dr. Aaron J. Witek
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Aaron J. Witek Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Coordinator of Brass and PercussionStetson UniversityDeLand, Florida Since Dr. Aaron J. Witek’s arrival at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, the trumpet studio has tripled in size and has attracted top-tier talent, including all-state-level musicians. The Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of […]
Dr. Rachel Woolf
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Rachel Woolf Assistant Professor of Flute The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, Texas Thanks to Dr. Rachel Woolf’s enthusiasm and creative approach to teaching, the flute students at The University of Texas at San Antonio are described as being “on fire.” Woolf fosters student success by building […]
Kim Webb
Back to 40 Under 40 Kim Webb Director of Bands Greene County Tech School District Paragould, Arkansas As Director of Bands at Greene County Tech School District in Paragould, Arkansas, Kim Webb promotes the motto “Belong, Believe, Become” with her students. “Make everyone feel like they belong. Believe in yourself and in each other. Become […]
Riley Warren
Back to 40 Under 40 Riley Warren Director of Percussion, Assistant Band Director Forney High School Forney, Texas Several years after joining the Forney High School Band staff as Director of Percussion and Assistant Band Director, Riley Warren started the Forney ISD Middle School Indoor Drumline. “The beauty of this group is that it creates […]
Dr. Andrew Stetson
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Andrew Stetson Director, School of MusicTexas Tech University School of MusicLubbock, Texas Dr. Andrew Stetson, the Director of the School of Music at Texas Tech University, pioneered the Music Humanities program to engage students from diverse academic backgrounds and to highlight the importance of music as an essential tool […]
Michael Schnell
Back to 40 Under 40 Michael Schnell Middle School Band TeacherOostburg School DistrictOostburg, Wisconsin Because Oostburg High School and Oostburg Middle School share the same building, Michael Schnell, the Middle School Band Teacher, proposed starting a Music Production course for high school students. “One of my favorite classes when I was in high school was […]
Annie Ray
Back to 40 Under 40 Annie Ray Orchestra Director and Performing Arts Department ChairAnnandale High School,Annandale,Virginia Orchestra Director and Performing Arts Department Chair Annie Ray launched the Crescendo Orchestra for students with significant and severe disabilities at Annandale High School in Virginia. The seeds of the orchestra started in 2017, when twin brothers with significant […]
Joshua Race
Back to 40 Under 40 Joshua Race Director of Bands Fountain-Fort Carson High School, Fountain, Colorado In Joshua Race’s classes at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Colorado, students learn more than music — they become more aware of their own thought processes. The Director of Bands uses metacognitive strategies to help students reflect on their […]
Nicholas Popovich
Back to 40 Under 40 Nicholas Popovich Music Technology TeacherShadow Mountain High SchoolPhoenix, Arizona Paradise Valley Unified District in Arizona offers an arts academy, North Valley Arts Academies (NVAA), where K-12 students at Desert Cove Elementary School, Shea Middle School and Shadow Mountain High School can take courses in dance, theater, visual art and music […]
Kate Phillips
Back to 40 Under 40 Kate Phillips PK-5 Music TeacherGrant Avenue Elementary SchoolBronx, New York Before it was popular, Kate Phillips, Grant Avenue Elementary School’s PK-5 Music Teacher, was implementing culturally responsive lessons in her classroom. “As a white teacher originally from a suburban Midwest community, it is essential that my Bronx students engage with […]
Adam Odenwelder
Back to 40 Under 40 Adam Odenwelder Guitar Teacher Belmont Ridge Middle School Leesburg, Virginia There is no status quo for the guitar program at Belmont Ridge Middle School in Leesburg, Virginia, led by Adam Odenwelder. “I’m constantly changing things in order to meet the needs of my students in new and exciting ways,” he […]
Leah Motl
Back to 40 Under 40 Leah Motl Orchestra Teacher IJ Holton Intermediate School Austin, Minnesota The orchestra program at IJ Holton Intermediate School in Austin, Minnesota, has grown in numbers and, more importantly, in students’ passion for music. That’s because Orchestra Teacher Leah Motl encourages and motivates her students in several ways. “Praise progress often,” […]
Kevin Morrison
Back to 40 Under 40 Kevin Morrison Director of BandsLambert High SchoolSuwanee, Georgia Kevin Morrison, the Director of Bands at Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia, goes above and beyond to educate the community — especially potential band parents — about the school’s band program. “We use a variety of tools since most of our […]
Coty Raven Morris
Back to 40 Under 40 Coty Raven Morris Hinckley Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education and Social JusticePortland State UniversityPortland, Oregon As the Hinckley Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education and Social Justice at Portland State University in Oregon, Coty Raven Morris says that she “has the privilege of teaching and working with a multitude […]
Christopher McCurdy
Back to 40 Under 40 Christopher McCurdy Band DirectorUlysses S. Grant High SchoolPortland, Oregon Band Director Christopher McCurdy believes in a group-first mindset, and he vigorously advocates for it at Ulysses S. Grant High School in Portland, Oregon. “Every student deserves an accessible and comprehensive music education no matter where or when they start,” he […]
Orien Landis
Back to 40 Under 40 Orien Landis Director of BandsAmerican Fork High SchoolAmerican Fork, Utah Many people describe their programs as student-led, but at American Fork High School in Utah, the marching band is just that. According to Director of Bands Orien Landis, “Our student leadership team essentially runs the band program. During the marching […]
Shan Kazmi
Back to 40 Under 40 Shan Kazmi Director of BandsZion-Benton Township High School Zion, Illinois Working at a Title I school like Zion-Benton Township High School can be challenging, but Director of Bands Shan Kazmi only sees the positives. “Our students are great. I know people will say that kids are the same everywhere, but […]
Zane Kaiser
Back to 40 Under 40 Zane Kaiser Band and Orchestra TeacherJustice Page Middle School, Minneapolis Public SchoolsMinneapolis, Minnesota When Zane Kaiser started as the Band and Orchestra Teacher at Justice Page Middle School in Minneapolis, the music program had no budget allocated to it. In the seven years since, Kaiser has built the program and […]
Cody Jackson
Back to 40 Under 40 Cody Jackson Band DirectorHeights Middle School Farmington, New Mexico Band Director Cody Jackson began his tenure at Heights Middle School in Farmington, New Mexico, in the fall of 2020, when the pandemic was at its height and all classes were virtual. He inherited a program of approximately 84 students, all […]
Alex Hitrick
Back to 40 Under 40 Alex Hitrick 7-12 Music Teacher Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High SchoolBroadalbin, New York Alex Hitrick began teaching at Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High School, during the attempt to return to normalcy post-COVID in September 2020. The enrollment numbers were pretty dismal. “I had about 20 students in middle school chorus and 12 in high […]
Dr. Cordara X. Harper
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Cordara X. Harper Assistant Professor of Music Education, Choir Director, Music Education Coordinator, Vocal Music CoordinatorGrambling State UniversityGrambling, Louisiana The Grambling State University Concert Choir was founded in 1947 as a glee club. Over its 78-year history, the choir has released two acclaimed albums and garnered significant recognition. Its […]
Bob Habersat
Back to 40 Under 40 Bob Habersat Director, ShedthemusicCommercial Music TeacherOak Lawn Community High SchoolOak Lawn, Illinois Bob Habersat, the Commercial Music Teacher at Oak Lawn Community High School in Illinois, first started recording instructional videos to help his piano students grasp concepts like the bass clef when they missed class. “This allowed them to […]
Dr. Liliana Guerrero
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Liliana Guerrero Assistant Professor of VoiceButler School of Music. University of Texas, AustinAustin, Texas During Dr. Liliana Guerrero’s year as a Teaching Artist for the Austin Opera, she went to local elementary schools to introduce students to the concept of opera by telling them stories, singing some arias and […]
Marissa Guarriello
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Marissa Guarriello Visiting Assistant Professor of String Music EducationUniversity of North CarolinaGreensboro, North Carolina Last summer, as the Director of Music Programming for ArtsQuest, Dr. Marissa Guarriello helped organize a new conference for music educators. “Some of the senior leadership at ArtsQuest was interested in starting a conference for […]
Paul Glader
Back to 40 Under 40 Paul Glader Band and Choir DirectorBethel-Tate Middle SchoolBethel, Ohio Band and Choir Director Paul Glader put his classroom motto on the wall for all his students at Bethel-Tate Middle School in Ohio to see: 1) be kind, 2) strive to be better and 3) love music. “That means having the […]
Lee B. Gibson
Back to 40 Under 40 Lee B. Gibson Assistant Director of BandsBarberton CIty Schools,Barberton, Ohio Lee B. Gibson, the Assistant Director of Bands at Barberton City Schools in Ohio, knows how music education can transform lives. Something as basic as putting instruments in the hands of students can seem to be an insurmountable obstacle. Luckily, […]
Dr. Catheryn Shaw Foster
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Catheryn Shaw Foster Assistant Professor of Practice of Music EducationVirginia TechBlacksburg, Virginia Dr. Catheryn Shaw Foster, Assistant Professor of Practice of Music Education at Virginia Tech, saw a need to help and coalesce music teachers in rural areas, so she co-founded the Rural Band Director Alliance (RBDA). “It started […]
Dr. Sarah Fabian
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Sarah Fabian Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of MusicGardner-Webb UniversityBoiling Springs, North Carolina When Dr. Sarah Fabian, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands, arrived at Gardner-Webb University in Bolling Springs, North Carolina, she revamped the recruitment strategy. She visited high schools, attended music festivals and met with […]
Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich Associate Professor of Music Education and FluteSlippery Rock UniversitySlippery Rock, Pennsylvania Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich, Associate Professor of Music Education and Flute, founded a win-win initiative at Slippery Rock University (SRU) in Pennsylvania that bridges the gap between the school and the surrounding community. SRU’s Early Childhood and […]
Laura Del Rosso
Back to 40 Under 40 Laura Del Rosso Modern Band TeacherLower Manhattan Community Middle School, New York City Public SchoolsNew York, New York “My program is fueled on community and joy,” says Laura Del Rosso, Modern Band Teacher at Lower Manhattan Community Middle School in New York. “I believe that music-making should be FUN, from […]
Lindsay Cummings
Back to 40 Under 40 Lindsay Cummings Artist Faculty, Musical Theatre Voice, The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt UniversityProfessor of Musical Theatre Voice, Loyola University Chicago. Owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy Executive Director and Founder of Downstage Art Expressing artistry is at the core of the teaching philosophy of Lindsay Cummings, […]
Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit
Back to 40 Under 40 Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit Director of OrchestrasNyack High School, New YorkLecturer of Music Education, Brooklyn CollegeMusic Director, Crescendo Orchestra of New York Youth Symphony According to Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit, the Director of Orchestras at Nyack High School in New York, her main goal with her students is building more than just musical […]
Dr. Gene Butler
Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Gene Butler Director of BandsSmiths Station High SchoolSmiths Station, Alabama Dr. Gene Butler is only the third Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School in Alabama since 1972. The other two — Mr. Rick Teel and Dr. Rusty Courson — were Butler’s band directors during his middle school […]
Nick Blue
Back to 40 Under 40 Nick Blue Assistant Director of BandsFranklin High SchoolFranklin, Tennessee Nick Blue was recently named the Assistant Director of Bands at Franklin High School in Tennessee. The school’s band is a seven-time Tennessee State Marching Band Champion and has marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade, twice in the Macy’s Thanksgiving […]
Michael Blanco
Back to 40 Under 40 Michael Blanco Assistant Director of MariachiLas Vegas High SchoolLas Vegas, Nevada Imagine being invited to perform at the White House with your ensemble! That’s what happened to Michael Blanco, Assistant Director of Mariachi at Las Vegas High School. In the fall of 2024, Mariachi Joya, the school’s award-winning group, was […]
Erin Barra
Back to 40 Under 40 Erin Barra Executive Director, We Make Noise Assistant Professor and Director of the Popular Music ProgramArizona State University Empowerment is a core value for Erin Barra, the Executive Director of We Make Noise and an Assistant Professor and Director of the Popular Music Program at Arizona State University. “Empowerment seeps […]
Evan Aguilar
Back to 40 Under 40 Evan Aguilar Director of Choral and Piano Activities Cibola High SchoolAlbuquerque Public SchoolsNew Mexico Collaboration is a key component of Evan Aguilar’s music program at Cibola High School in New Mexico. As the Director of Choral and Piano Activities at Cibola as well as at Albuquerque Public Schools, Aguilar has […]
Jacob Abbott
Back to 40 Under 40 Jacob Abbott Performing Arts DirectorDresden High SchoolDresden, Tennessee The music program at Dresden High School in Tennessee went from “zero to hero” in the time that Jacob Abbott has served as its Performing Arts Director. Before Abbott came to Dresden, there was only one Music Appreciation class offered. Now, there […]
Creatively Reach Special Needs Students
A California music educator offers special education students musical opportunities, using different and effective approaches.
The Nontraditional “Non-Semble”
A Wisconsin music educator uses nontraditional music ensembles to reach more students
The Power of Problem-Solving
Making modern music bridged COVID learning to a new co-curricular digital music program at a Pennsylvania school district.
Make Concerts Memorable and Fun
A South Carolina orchestra director uses creativity to engage her students and the audience.
How to Effectively Partner with School Administration
Fostering a close-knit teacher-administrator relationship will pay dividends for your music program.
Connecting Music and Peace
At Eastern Mennonite University, students can earn a new degree that combines music education with diplomacy.
A Symposium for Women Musicians
How a Girl Scout project became the impetus for an annual all-women honor band concert for states in the Southeast.
Empowering Women in Music
An educator’s journey to inspire future generations by celebrating and showcasing the successes of women composers and musicians.
The Magic in the Details
An Indiana music educator overcomes obstacles and fosters excellence in WGI.
You Will Never Feel “Ready,” But You Can Be Prepared
Nine recommendations for music education majors and novice in-service music educators to hone their skills.
Use Music to Connect with Students of All Ages
An adjunct professor at George Mason University helps music education majors as well as children around the world to communicate through music.
Overcoming Performance Anxiety
Earning trust and treating elementary students with respect are key to helping them perform with pride.
Essential Tips for First-Year Music Educators
The 2024 “40 Under 40” educators offer must-do and must-try tips to new music teachers to help them through their first year of teaching.
Teaching for Artistic Behavior
TAB pedagogy may look like chaos, but it’s a unique teaching methodology that allows student-led creative exploration.
40 Under 40 — Nominate a Deserving Music Educator Today!
Yamaha wants to recognize and celebrate the top 40 music educators under 40 years old. Nominate an exceptional music teacher today!
An Afro-Centric Curriculum Promotes Excellence
At Grace M. James Academy, a middle school for girls in Louisville, Kentucky, the orchestra director explores a unique strings education methodology.
Interdisciplinary Development Between the Arts
West Covina High School’s Performing Arts Academy allows students in music, dance and theater to hone their skills across disciplines and work together.
Incorporate Jazz in Your Classroom Daily
To keep a band program moving forward, you must capture the attention of young people. One way to do this and to increase retention is to integrate jazz into the curricula.
Play on Philly: A Model of Excellence
Underserved pre-K-12 students in Philadelphia can receive classical, tuition-free music education that balances fun and high expectations — and the results are phenomenal.
Becoming the Passionate Black Educator
A Tennessee educator decided to tackle systemic racism in music programs and is now a sought-after advocate to help schools and organizations around the country implement anti-racist, healing-centered music curriculum.
6 Steps to Incorporate a Growth Mindset in your Classroom
A Florida music educator embraces the concept that students, when faced with challenges, can improve their abilities not only in music but in everything they do.
Putting Power into Students’ Hands
Through a method called Gradual Release of Responsibility, a South Carolina music teacher helps students develop critical thinking and leadership skills.
Cultural Crusader
By digging into her roots, a Louisiana music educator is nurturing future generations to keep the local culture of Cajun and French Creole music alive.
8 Unconventional Rehearsal Tips
Try these tips to challenge your students to listen, react, communicate, perform and ultimately, to be musical!
Teach Holistic Music Literacy, Not “Button-Pushing”
Focus on teaching music as a language and give students the skills to develop fluency in improvising, reading notation, composing and audiation.
How to Design a Marching Band Show
Good show design is an asset to any band program. Don’t get lost in the pursuit of excellence. Focus on delivering a positive and life-changing marching arts experience to your students!
5 Recruitment Tips You Must Try!
Recruitment is a big part of ensemble directors’ jobs. Don’t look at it as a burden, but rather as a way of turning potential students into “our kids.”
RAMP: A Summer Camp for Music Teachers
Learning through action is a core philosophy for a new professional development conference for music educators that takes place alongside a music camp for students.
Be an Effective Teacher-Leader
Be an agent of change, advocate for the true purpose of education, take initiative to solve problems and share your experiences with other educators.
Dissecting Boise State’s Mission Statement Led to Innovation
One music educator found ways to define “comprehensive” music education to help his students achieve personal goals.
A DEI Seed Takes Root at a University’s Music Library
When confronted with issues of equitable programming disparities, students at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania became agents of change and focused on leveraging a solution.
Advice for First-Year Music Educators
The 2023 “40 Under 40” educators offer useful tips to new music teachers to help them through their stressful first year.
A Black Piano Professor Finds Her Voice and Mission
Music was always an integral part of Dr. Leah Claiborne’s life, but as she got older, she began to question what a Black girl like her was doing studying the music of dead white male composers.
Modern Music and Tech in Beginning Strings
With off-the-beaten-path lesson plans and performance opportunities, an orchestra director has higher student engagement, retention and overall program growth.
Case Study: A Festival that Celebrates Soloists and Small Ensembles
The Solo and Ensemble Festival at San Elijo Middle School showcases the individual work ethic and skill that goes into a performance.
Case Study: The Value of Voice-Based Choirs
A choir director doubled the size of his program by restructuring it based on his students’ voices, not by their grades.
Case Study: Launching a Mariachi Program in Las Vegas
In its first few years, the Las Vegas High School Mariachi Program released a CD and performed for many dignitaries including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Case Study: The Power of Pop Music
Student initiative is pervasive throughout the Huntington Beach High School’s pop music program, which emphasizes students’ ability to forge their own musical path.
4 Ways to Elevate Your Jazz Program
The jazz program has been the biggest catalyst for growth at The King’s Academy, a K-12 private school in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Guide to Mentorship in the Collegiate Music Program
College students yearn to be mentored. Try these four ways to understand, encourage and support your students.
9 Yamaha “40 Under 40” Educators Eligible to Win 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator Award
Among the quarterfinalists and legacy finalists for the 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator Award are nine Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educators from 2021 and 2022.
Case Study: 4 Keys to Drafting a New High School Music Program
Incorporate these tips when starting a program from the ground up. It’s a lot of work, but the rewards are worth it!.
Case Study: Implementing A Successful Group Piano Program
Connect with more students and determine a faster pacing with group lessons.
Case Study: Intentional Music Programming Allows Students to Enjoy the Journey of Music-Making
Finding “mini-opportunities” for students to perform is the main element of this Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educator’s teaching philosophy.
Utilize E-Portfolios to Improve Equity in Student Assessment
Improve equity in assessment with e-portfolios that captures contextually rich digital evidence of student performance.
Case Study: The Growth of the We Are Nashville Festival
An idea between local music teachers turned into music festival that brings together students, performing artists and arts organizations.
Case Study: Develop a Guitar and Ukulele Elective for High School
Guitar and ukulele engage a wider range of students in the joys and benefits of making music.
Case Study: See Beyond Disabilities and Find Opportunities to Excel
Two disabled students presented unique opportunities to excel for the entire marching band at Forney High School in Texas.
Case Study: In this Rural Town, Band is Family
In Pierz, Minnesota, the high school band director promotes a family atmosphere to grow and sustain his music program.
Case Study: Tips to Home Grow a High-Quality Music Program
Most students at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School being learning their instruments in high school, which makes the music program’s growth and success amazing!
Case Study: “Grow Your Own” Program Increases Access and Eliminates Barriers
Tennessee State University revitalized and accelerated its educator-preparation program thanks to a $2 million grant from the state department of education.
Case Study: Providing Space for Practice
By opening the band room after school, a music educator has grown her program and instilled confidence in her students.
Case Study: Grassroots Funding Through Social Media and Contests
An instrumental elementary music teacher in New York finds outside funding to buy instruments, equipment and accessories for her program.